Sharjah coach Jose Morais says his side have used an extended break well as they prepare to return to ADNOC Pro League action against Al Wahda.
Speaking before the match, Morais said the extra time on the training ground had given his players a better chance to prepare than in recent weeks.
He said the fixture would be a serious test against one of the stronger sides in the league, as Sharjah look to strengthen their position in the competition.
“We had better time to prepare compared to previous periods, and we are returning to the league against a strong opponent,” Morais said. “The match represents an important challenge for us and for our ambitions in the competition.”
Morais said the focus had been on improving the team’s work on and off the ball, but added that the real measure would come once the game starts.
“We have focused on improving our performance, both with and without the ball, in preparation for this match,” he said.
“The test is to see how much we’ve improved as a team and how we’ll play in the match. That is the real challenge.”
Sharjah and Al Wahda have been regular rivals in the upper part of UAE football, and Morais acknowledged the level of the contest ahead.
“Al Wahda and Sharjah are both strong league teams with a rivalry, but football unites people,” he said.
Sharjah are not expected to have major selection problems. Morais confirmed Caio remains out as he continues his recovery, while Majed Hassan will also miss the game through injury. There is also a late check on Igor, whose fitness will be assessed before kick-off.
Midfielder Majed Rashid said the squad had made good use of the break and believes they are ready for the challenge.
“The match is important, as the coach said, and our preparation has been excellent,” Rashid said. “We had enough time to train and for players to recover.”
He said Sharjah know what to expect from Al Wahda, but are targeting a result that could improve their standing in the table.
“Al Wahda are always a difficult opponent, but we are aiming for points to improve our position in the table,” he said.
Rashid also called on Sharjah supporters to back the side in the stands.
“We hope to see our fans there supporting us in the next match,” he said.
